CAIRO - Al-Azhar's views on current events in Egypt and efforts to develop the most prestigious seat of learning in Sunni Islam will be the focus of a press conference to be held by Grand Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayyeb. El-Tayyeb will also review the outcome of his meetings with intellectuals and writers, the ‘Al Azhar Document' and what has been achieved so far by the Family House Initiative. Al-Azhar in June called for a "modern, democratic" and non-religious state in Egypt where places of worship are protected. El-Tayyeb then revealed a document formulated by Al-Azhar and Egyptian intellectuals that aims to define "the relationship between Islam and the State in this difficult phase”. Last month, the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) approved the basic statutes of Al-Azhar's Egyptian Family House, an initiative that is meant to nip in the bud any signs of Muslim-Christian division. The Family House is an independent body under el-Tayyeb and Coptic Orthodox Pope Shenouda III, aiming at preserving Egypt's national fabric.
